are designed around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are designed around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe how something is structured or created with a specific focus or purpose in mind. Example: "The new software features are designed around user experience to ensure ease of use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Offices are designed around tea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Form, circulation, lighting, and space are designed around the program.

Cornell University

Most mechanical splices are designed around the vee-groove.

Introduction to Fiber Optics

Programs are designed around fields that need workers, like information technology, nursing and criminal justice.

The New York Times

Most electrodes are designed around the assumption that nerves are round, he says.

The Economist

Most trials are designed around the information drug regulators require to license a new treatment.

The Guardian

"Most kitchens are designed around the oven, but we wanted a clean, white space," Russell says.

The Guardian - Arts

Describing the software as "the soul of your phone", Zuckerberg said: "Today phones are designed around apps not people.

The Guardian - Tech

"We need to be sure these communities are designed around pedestrian and transit-friendly concepts," Mr. Yaro said.

The New York Times - Health

Also, the sound and lighting systems are designed around a whole show, and all this is planned months in advance.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

*... unless it's designed around data.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are designed around" to clearly articulate the core element or principle that guides the creation or structure of something. For example, "The curriculum is designed around project-based learning to enhance student engagement."

Common error

Avoid using "designed for" when you mean "designed around". "Designed for" implies suitability or intended use, whereas "designed around" indicates a central organizing principle. Incorrect: "The office space is designed for collaboration." Correct: "The office space is designed around collaborative work practices."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are designed around" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject's structure, operation, or purpose is fundamentally shaped by a particular element or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are designed around" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a system, plan, or object is structured with a particular element or concept as its core focus. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the organizing principle behind the subject, and avoid confusing it with similar phrases like "designed for", which implies intended use rather than structural influence. Alternative phrases such as "are built around", "are centered on", and "are focused on" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember that clarity and precision are essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are built around

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the design.

are centered on

Highlights the central importance of a particular element.

are focused on

Stresses a specific point of attention in the design.

are structured around

Focuses on the organizational aspect of the design.

revolve around

Suggests a circular or cyclical dependence.

are predicated on

Highlights the underlying assumptions of a design.

are based on

Indicates a foundation or starting point for the design.

are themed around

Emphasizes a unifying motif or concept.

are oriented toward

Highlights the direction or target of the design.

are adapted for

Suggests a modification to suit a particular purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "are designed around" in a sentence?

Use "are designed around" to indicate that a plan, system, or object is structured with a specific focus or core element. For example, "The workshops "are designed around" practical skills development."

What's a good alternative to "are designed around"?

Alternatives include "are built around", "are centered on", or "are focused on". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "designed around" or "designed for"?

"Designed around" indicates a central organizing principle, while "designed for" implies suitability or intended use. For instance, "The software "is designed for" ease of use" means it's made to be easy to use, but "The software "is designed around" user feedback" means user feedback was the core consideration in its design.

What does it mean when something "is designed around" a concept?

It means the concept was a primary influence in the planning and structuring of that thing. The design choices and functional aspects "are structured around" that core idea.